A former London city councillor has quietly stepped down from a key advisory role with London Health Sciences Centre, a move prompted by serious criminal charges now hanging over her.
Mariam Hamou, who served as councillor for Ward 6, is facing accusations of extortion and harassing communications, as revealed by St. Thomas police last week. The charges have sent ripples through the city’s political landscape.
Hamou swiftly resigned from LHSC’s community advisory committee, a group designed to provide crucial guidance to hospital leadership. She stated her decision stemmed from a desire to avoid casting a shadow over the hospital’s important work.
“I don’t want to bring any negativity to LHSC while I’m under investigation,” Hamou explained, emphasizing her immediate action. “Within hours of learning about the charges, I informed LHSC of my resignation and expressed my regret.”
LHSC acknowledged the situation, confirming Hamou’s departure and thanking her for her previous contributions to the committee. The hospital’s statement was brief, reflecting the sensitivity of the ongoing legal matter.
The investigation was handled by St. Thomas police specifically to avoid any potential conflict of interest, given the individuals involved. This decision underscores the delicate nature of the case.
Sources close to the investigation have identified London’s current mayor, Josh Morgan, as the complainant. Morgan and Hamou were colleagues on city council, representing adjacent wards, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Hamou’s entry into municipal politics came in 2021, filling a vacancy left by another councillor. Her appointment was supported by a vote that included then-councillor Morgan. She subsequently lost a closely contested re-election bid in 2022.
Just months ago, in November, Hamou actively encouraged Londoners to participate in an LHSC community survey, emphasizing the importance of public input. She passionately stated, “This is your hospital and we are here to listen to you and to have your voice heard.”
Currently a school librarian with the London District Catholic school board, Hamou now faces an uncertain future as the legal proceedings unfold, leaving many to question the circumstances that led to these startling allegations.
